1. an explosion that occurs in the air above the ground
Usage: military
2. a meteorite that explodes in the atmosphere before reaching the ground
Usage: astronomy

1. to explode in the air
Usage: military

Examples

• The nuclear weapon was designed to airburst at 2,000 feet above the target.
• The airburst created a devastating shockwave across the battlefield.
• Scientists studied the airburst that occurred over Siberia in 1908.
• The meteor created a bright flash when it airburst in the upper atmosphere.
• Military strategists prefer airbursts for maximum area damage.
• The asteroid will likely airburst rather than impact the surface.